VFW Post 9914 Ladies Auxiliary President Judy McGee, from left, and past president Darlene Skinner share a laugh at a recent post event. The auxiliary serves a Country Breakfast each month. Photo courtesy of Mike Blatchford

Post Cmdr. Vincent Oltesvig attributes the achievement to the hard work of all members and says they will strive to achieve the honor again for the next year. He requests that members share their ideas to make their post a better one.

Senior Vice-Cmdr. Mike Blatchford said, “Three years ago we were in fear of losing our Charter, but this year with the hard work and determination of our members and new members, we were named All-State Post. We appreciate our new members who are motivated and dedicated to helping the post and thank all of our members for supporting our post.”

Blatchford said that he is a Service Officer and would be glad to help local veterans who want to file a claim with the Veterans Administration through the claims process.

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All groups at the post would like to increase their membership. The next post meeting is Aug. 6 and every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

The Men’s Auxiliary will host a steak and rib dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11. Cost is $11.

The Ladies Auxiliary will host a Country Breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12. Cost is $6.

There will be a bus trip to a Detroit Tiger’s game Saturday, July 19. Cost is $55. Bus leaves post at 4:45 p.m.

The post hall is available for rentals, for weddings or other events at 3200 N. Duck Lake Road in Highland.

For more information, call 248-887-9914.

Clarkston American Legion Post 63 adopts two-miles of I-75

The Clarkston American Legion Post 63, Sons of the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary have adopted two miles of I-75 between Davisburg and E. Holly Roads, north and south for two years.

There will be clean-up events spring, summer and fall. The next clean-up will be July 12.

The April clean-up was achieved in two and a half hours. Twenty-six volunteers collected 78 bags of debris. Volunteers are needed. Youth groups and community achievers are asked to assist.

Required video instruction will be viewed on the day of clean-up at the post, at 8047 Ortonville Road in Clarkston. For more information, call Jim Ward 248-882-3255.

American Legion Post 354 also meets at this post and its next meeting is at 7 p.m. July 21.

For more information, call 248-543-2557.

Michigan veterans can have ‘Veteran added to their driver’s license

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency says that new driver’s licenses can have the word “Veteran” in bold red on the front of the card. This is available to all Michigan veterans that provide proof of their honorable discharge. If they are renewing their license or ID card, or applying for one for the first time, they will pay only the normal driver’s license or ID card fee. If they want the license before it’s time to renew, they can purchase a duplicate for the standard smaller fee.

For more information, visit www.MichiganVeterans.com or call 1-800-MICH-VET.

Lakes Area Post 341 makes donations to veterans groups

Lakes Area Post 341 Cmdr. John Scholl and Secretary and Treasurer Nick Murray said that the post members recently collected approximately $2,000 for poppy sales at two Hiller Markets and they have made donations to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, to Sean Tracey for The Veterans Model Project, to the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township and to an organization that trains service dogs as companions to veterans.

Post members have sent more than 200 care packages to troops serving in Afghanistan and offer help to local veterans with processing VA claims.

The post has 40 members and would like to increase its membership. Post members meet the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. The post’s next meeting is July 23, at the Oakland County Boat Club, 2330 Ferndale in Sylvan Lake. For more information, call John at 248-884-8205.

Military Working Dog funeral

U.S. Army Military Working Dog Chyan will be buried with full military honors at noon, Saturday, July 12, at the Michigan War Dog Memorial, at Milford and Eleven Mile Roads, Lyon Township.

Chyan, a explosive detection, scout, tracker and patrol dog served in Belgium, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. Retired in 2011, he passed away last May.

For more information, call Phil Weitlauf 248-685-8307 or email pweitlauf@gmx.com and visit www.mwdm.org.

Veterans Ministry at Christ the King Church hosts a Family Picnic

The Veterans Ministry at Christ the King Church hosts a free Family Picnic and Hog Roast to honor veterans and their families from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at 1550 W. Drahner Road, Oxford.

There will be food, entertainment, games and music.

For more information, email Bob bob@tenbosch.com.

Desert Angel looks for a permanent location for packing parties

The Desert Angel organization that packs Miracle Box care packages for service members serving overseas is looking for a permanent place that will host its packing parties on the 11th day of each month.

Desert Angel Louise Downs Blain would like to hear from interested hosts in the Oakland County area.

For more information, call Blain at 248-736-6403 or visit www.thedesertangel.org.

Free event tickets to family members

Veteran Tickets Foundation provides free event tickets to family members of troops killed in action, active-military and veterans to sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family activities.

For more information, visit www.vettix.org.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an e-mail with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.

About the Author

Sharon Longman has written for The Oakland Press for several years. Currently she is the Veterans Affairs columnist, featured every Sunday, and also writes features of local interest. Reach the author at sslstart@aol.com
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